Symptoms of histoplasmosis and methods of treating fungal disease

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21.04.2017

Histoplasta capsulatum is a group of pathogenic fungi that cause diseases of the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes in humans. Before 1900, infection with histoplasts was mistaken for tuberculosis.

Afterwards, the growth of pathogenic colonies of the histoplasma fungus was discovered, the disease was named after the researcher Darling.

Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by pathogenic fungi that affects people with reduced immunity.

Forms of the disease

Fungi of the Histoplasma genus primarily affect the lungs of the host. Infection occurs by ingestion of fungal spores through the respiratory tract. Entering the alveoli with air, the spores germinate, forming yeast-like colonies. The area where mycotic spores are found is soil contaminated with poultry and bat droppings.

Lung infection

At the first stage of the disease, it is important to provide the attending physician with all the information necessary for a correct diagnosis. Provide information about staying in endemic areas or working outdoors.

With timely diagnosis and adequate treatment, the cure period is no more than 4 weeks.

A severe form of acute infection is characterized by a sudden increase in temperature, chills and fever for up to 1.5 months.
Other symptoms:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• weakness, increased sweating;
• aches in joints and muscles;
• chest pain, abdominal pain, headaches;
• asthenic condition;
• cough;
• decreased performance.

When performing radiography, focal shadows are clearly visible in the images.
The disease of moderate severity retains the listed symptoms, but recovery occurs after 3-4 weeks. The chronic form of pulmonary histoplasmosis is characterized by moderate symptoms, giving sudden exacerbations.

An exacerbation of the disease begins with an increase in temperature, chills, fever, cough with sputum.
The disease progresses with the involvement of the mucous membranes - throat, nose, enlargement of lymph nodes and internal organs.

Ulcerative wounds are often observed on the skin.

Ovarian infection

• episodic pain in the lower abdomen;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• sharp painful sensations when urinating;
• fertility disorders.

Diagnosis of the disease includes a gynecological examination, taking a smear for flora, and scraping from the site of localization.
After receiving the results, it is necessary to undergo fluoroscopy and CT again. Treatment is carried out comprehensively, eliminating primary infection and secondary symptoms.

Infection with mycosis of the skin

Symptoms of infection - fever, muscle pain, fever - disappear in the acute phase.

Skin histoplasmosis in the chronic course of the disease is a skin rash of unknown origin.
The rash may look like:

• dermatitis;
• ulcerative wounds;
• papular rashes.

The localization of rashes is varied - neck, shoulders, arms, stomach, face.
As the disease worsens, the area of ​​localization increases, and the rash takes on an ulcerative form. During the latent period, the number of affected skin areas may decrease, but during exacerbation they increase locally.

Determination and accurate diagnosis is possible by taking scrapings of the affected skin, fragments and discharge from wounds.

Infection of mucous membranes and internal organs

Histoplasmosis in the nose is a secondary manifestation of histoplasma infection. In the chronic course of the disease, ulcerative wounds occur on all mucous membranes - throat, cheeks, larynx, internal genital organs, nasal mucosa.
The disease progresses in the acute and subacute stages, and in the chronic form, affecting internal organs, the gastrointestinal tract, and mucous membranes. Symptoms:

• itchy pain in the nasal passage;
• discharge from the sinuses;
• coughing up mucus from the nose.

Damage to the nasal mucosa is diagnosed after taking a scraping, a sample of the mucous membrane, and a detailed blood test. Treatment of damage to the nasal mucosa is carried out in combination with infection of the body, with treatment of damaged internal organs.

Symptoms

• febrile state - occurs in acute and mild forms, depending on the form of the disease;
• increase in temperature - depends on the severity of the condition - from extremely high (40-41) to moderately elevated (38-39);
• muscle, joint pain - depending on the severity of the condition - moderate, severe pain;
• cough - dry in the initial stages, with prolonged infection - with purulent sputum;
• chest pain - moderate to severe;
• symptoms of intoxication - diarrhea, vomiting - in acute inflammatory process;
• changes in the lungs - in the chronic stage - slight darkening, in the acute stage - visible dark backgrounds.

Clearly reduced immunity as a result of diseases such as HIV infection, chronic diseases - to this symptomatology are added disturbances in the functioning of internal organs - the liver, spleen. The manifestation of the disease is characterized by yellowness of the skin, as well as the chronic course of the disease.

For HIV-infected people, when infected with spores of the histoplasma fungus, the prognosis for the outcome of the disease is fatal.

Establishing diagnosis

• blood for biochemical analysis;
• scrapings of mucous membranes;
• strokes;
• sputum microbiology;
• intradermal tests;
• serological tests;
• radiography;
• CT analysis.

Accurate diagnosis of the disease in the early stages of infection will speed up the recovery process.
If a mycotic invasion is suspected, tests are carried out - laboratory tests, examination of grown colonies, serodiagnostic tests, skin tests, radiography, blood tests.

1. Laboratory tests are the main study that determines the diagnosis. For analysis, secretions, punctates, feces, urine, and tissue fragments are taken.
2. Study of grown colonies from secretions or fragments placed on a nutrient liquid.
3. Serodiagnostic analysis is aimed at identifying the specific antigen that causes the disease.
4. Skin tests for histoplasmin reaction determine the nature of the disease.
5. X-ray can reveal compactions in the lungs.
6. A blood test during infection reveals anemia and leukopenia as a result of the inflammatory process.

Treatment of the disease

Each form of the disease, as well as the severity of the disease, requires adjustment of the prescription, depending on:

• patient's age;
• existing allergic reactions;
• concomitant or chronic diseases;
• severity of infection;
• forms of the disease.

• After completing the course of treatment, with a stable favorable result, it is necessary to undergo a course of restoration of the gastrointestinal tract to completely restore the body’s immune resistance.
• In acute forms of mild or moderate severity of the disease, antifungal drugs are not prescribed, eliminating the symptoms of the pathology with antimicrobial, antihistamines and antibiotics.
• A severe form of the disease includes treatment with antifungal drugs, while hepatoprotectors are additionally prescribed - drugs that accelerate the renewal of liver cells.

Additionally, blood transfusions and surgical treatment are performed. Surgical intervention is advisable for active damage to internal organs to remove serous tissue.

Conclusion

A favorable outcome of treatment largely depends on the restoration and strengthening of the immune system. Incomplete treatment can develop into a chronic form of the disease, which undermines the body's immune system.

Author of the article.
Practicing doctor

Darling's disease - histoplasmosis Link to main publication

Source: https://GribokBolezn.ru/gribok/zabolevaniya/gistoplazmoz.html

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a deep mycosis that affects the mucous membranes, lungs, liver, lymph nodes and spleen. The causative agent of the disease is the yeast fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Below we will look at the forms of the disease, the clinical course of histoplasmosis and methods of its treatment.

Causes of histoplasmosis

The causative agent of the disease is Histoplasma capsulatum. This is a dimorphic yeast fungus that exists in two forms: tissue and cultural. Tissue form fungi infect the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. They are shaped like Leishmania, microscopic organisms similar to tadpoles.

Cultivated fungi penetrate into nutrient media and survive at temperatures below 30 degrees. The fungus is pathogenic for many domestic animals: dogs, guinea pigs, white mice and hamsters. Infection with the Histoplasma fungus can occur in the following ways:

• working with soil in which the pathogen is located. The microorganism enters this environment through the droppings of bats, cats, dogs, chickens and pigeons. The fungus enters the human body through wounds and microcracks. Airborne infection is possible if a person inhales fungal spores;
• careless handling of the air conditioner. If equipment is not regularly cleaned, microscopic yeast fungi “settle” in it and multiply;
• visiting abandoned buildings, caves and grottoes. Histoplasmas also live in the hollows of old trees.

The infection enters the human body with dust particles. The risk group includes people who are engaged in construction work or are involved in agricultural work. These are: miners, builders, farmers, tourists, speleologists, villagers, poultry farm workers.

Most often, the infection enters the body through the respiratory tract. Fungi enter the alveoli and bronchi, after which they acquire a tissue form. The lungs and lymph nodes are the first to be affected, after which the virus enters the bloodstream and spreads to other internal organs.

Symptoms of the disease

The incubation period for histoplasmosis is 4-30 days. This difference is due to the fact that the body's resistance to infections is different for all people. Carriers of other infections or people with weakened immune systems get sick much faster than people with developed body defenses.

The most common form of histoplasmosis is the pulmonary form. 80% of those infected are diagnosed with a mild form of the disease, which is practically asymptomatic.

If histoplasmosis is severe, the patient exhibits the following symptoms:

• the illness begins suddenly. With common infections, the temperature rises gradually; with histoplasma infection, the fever occurs sharply and reaches 40-41 degrees. The temperature is unstable and can change several times during the day;
• chills and sweating. Associated with an increase in temperature and a natural reaction of the body, which tries to cause cooling in accessible ways;
• headache, body aches and muscle pain. It occurs due to the fact that fungi affect not only the lungs, but also the lymphatic system with muscle fibers.

Associated symptoms are pain in the chest area, constant nausea and diarrhea. When you cough, pus is released, and there are blood streaks in the sputum. The fever lasts quite a long time - at least 6 weeks.

After this, the final stage of the disease begins. The fever goes away, but decreased performance remains for a long period. The temperature remains elevated, but not more than 1.5 degrees.

A person gets tired quickly, experiences frequent headaches, sleep disturbances, becomes lethargic or emotionally unstable.

Forms of the disease

Depending on the course, the pathology has an acute or chronic form. In the first case, the disease begins very abruptly and progresses with severe symptoms and severe fever. In the chronic form, the clinical course is sluggish, symptoms are mild or do not appear at all. Exacerbations can lead to a person developing histoplasmosis of the skin and mucous membranes.

The disease is also usually divided into different types based on localization. The following types of disease are distinguished:

• pulmonary histoplasmosis. This is a common type of pathology that occurs after the pathogen penetrates the lymph nodes and lungs. When multiplying, fungi form granulomas - specific nodules, which are focal growths of connective tissue cells. 80% of patients have no symptoms of histoplasmosis. In the severe form, serious damage to the lungs occurs, resulting in the appearance of cavities in the lung tissue;
• disseminated histoplasmosis. Develops in people with reduced immunity. In addition to fever, chills and heavy sweating, a person develops skin rashes. Lymph nodes become enlarged and bulge. The liver and spleen grow, causing the belly to appear unnaturally large. This is a severe form of histoplasmosis. If treatment is not provided on time, the pathology leads to death;
• skin histoplasmosis. The cause of this type of pathology is the penetration of the virus into the body through the skin. The disease is recognized primarily through external signs: small granuloma nodules, small hemorrhages and growths similar in shape to warts. Localized in the mouth, mucous membrane of the pharynx, nasal cavity and mouth;
• African histoplasmosis. This is a mild form of the disease that resolves fairly quickly and has a favorable prognosis. The lungs are affected only if the pathology is generalized and covers the entire body. Externally, the African type of the disease is manifested by the appearance of a soft and painless swelling, fistulas, and nodules. Lymph nodes enlarge.

Please note that in the chronic form of histoplasmosis, symptoms increase slowly and often resemble signs of acute respiratory viral infection. Many patients do not pay attention to this and limit themselves to the use of antiviral drugs. However, it is a careless attitude towards the deterioration of one’s own health that leads to unpleasant consequences in the future.

Diagnosis of histoplasmosis

Recognizing histoplasmosis is a difficult and time-consuming task. The following methods are used for confirmation:

• microscopic examination of sputum, blood, urine and feces;
• serological methods;
• intradermal allergy test;
• abscesses (purulent boils) of the lungs, spleen and bone marrow collected during puncture;
• examination of tissues of the skin, intestines and lymph nodes.

Additionally, bacterial culture and x-ray are used. When studying histoplasmosis of female ovaries and the eyeball, the study is carried out in several stages.

Treatment of histoplasmosis

If the pathology occurs in a mild and practically asymptomatic form, specific medications are not prescribed. Antifungal drugs are highly toxic and have a negative effect on the liver and internal organs. Often their use turns out to be unjustified. To maintain health, general strengthening procedures are prescribed:

• balanced diet. Involves eating small portions of food. The interval between doses should be no more than 3-4 hours. Light food is preferred. It is recommended to exclude fatty, sweet and spicy foods. Fried foods are not recommended;
• proper rest/daily routine. During rest and sleep, the body’s protective resources are restored, which increases resistance to infections;
• vitamin therapy. Often, immune functions are reduced due to a lack of vitamins. In this case, the doctor prescribes vitamin complexes, which must be taken regularly until complete recovery.

If the patient has a severe form of histoplasmosis, general therapy is no longer sufficient. The specialist prescribes special agents that act directly on the cause of the disease, the fungus - Histoplasma capsulatum. Read more about antifungal medications below.

Amphotericin B

This is an antifungal drug that inhibits the growth of fungi or completely destroys them (depending on the dosage). It is used for acute and chronic disease. Contraindicated for use in the following cases:

• with individual intolerance;
• serious disorders of the kidneys and liver;
• hematopoietic pathologies;
• diabetes mellitus

The dosage is determined individually and is 1000 units of the drug per 1 kg of person’s weight. The drug is administered intravenously. Before use, it must be diluted in a bottle with glucose. Frequency of administration: every other day or 2 times a week. The therapeutic course lasts 1-2 months.

Amphoglucamine

This drug is less toxic compared to the previous one. Contraindicated for:

• hypersensitivity;
• renal failure;
• pregnancy and childhood.

For glomerulonephritis, amyloidosis, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, anemia, diabetes mellitus, agranulocytosis, the drug can be taken only after prior consultation with a doctor.

The medicine is taken 200,000 units 2 times a day. The duration of treatment for localized forms of histoplasmosis is 14 days, for generalized forms - up to 2 months.

Itraconazole

This is an antifungal drug that disrupts the synthesis of the cell membrane of the fungus and leads to its complete death. Available for sale in 100 mg capsules. Contraindicated for:

• hypersensitivity;
• renal, liver and heart failure;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• childhood;
• pregnancy and lactation (with caution).

Taken 2 times a day for 8 weeks.

Ketoconazole

Active against fungi that cause local and deep mycoses. Available in various dosage forms. To treat histoplasmosis, the doctor prescribes tablets. They should not be taken if you have:

• hypersensitivity to ketoconazole;
• liver and kidney pathologies;
• pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• age up to 3 years.

The regimen and course of treatment are prescribed by the doctor. The specialist assesses the patient's general health. Based on the data obtained, he determines the dosage and duration of the therapeutic course.

Prevention of histoplasmosis

Scientists have developed a vaccine that contains suppressed or killed fungus. However, this method is imperfect - a person will not be able to avoid infection. The vaccine only helps alleviate the course of the disease if the fungus enters the body.

To avoid pathology, it is enough to follow a few rules:

• when in caves and mines, use personal respiratory protection;
• disinfect the air in laboratories and dusty rooms;
• handle items that are at risk;
• After long trips, undergo a medical examination.

Follow basic rules of personal hygiene and strengthen your immune system. This way you are more likely to avoid histoplasmosis.

Source: https://GribokTela.ru/mikoz/gistoplazmoz.html

Histoplasmosis: TOP methods of treatment and diagnosis

Different types of fungus can cause damage not only to smooth skin, nail plates and hair, but also to internal organs. One of these diseases is histoplasmosis, which mainly affects the respiratory system.

The pathology provokes malaise, severe chest pain, cough and other symptoms. Untimely therapy seriously affects health and causes irreversible consequences in the human body.

To get rid of the disease, it is important to know what it is and how it is treated.

What is histoplasmosis

This disease is a fungal infection; the pathogen attacks mononuclear phagocytes and suppresses the functioning of the immune system. Other names for the pathology are reticuloendothelial cytoplasmosis or Darling's disease. There are several types of the disease:

• pulmonary;
• disseminated;
• cutaneous;
• African.

The population most often infected is in certain countries, for example, high incidence rates are observed in Central and South America, the southwestern United States, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Moreover, the fungus is observed 2 times more often in males, young children and people with weakened protective functions of the body. Fungal cells remain viable in dry soil for up to 4 years (they die at temperatures from 50–55 degrees), and in water for 60 days.

In Canada and Russia, Darling disease is practically not observed; often only tourists who have lived in infected areas for a long time become infected. However, it is strongly recommended that everyone familiarize themselves with the first signs and methods of treating pathology in order to prevent dangerous consequences.

Routes of infection and risk groups

The fungus lives in soil and air; it can also be found in poultry farms, in the excrement of bats, dogs, chickens, pigeons and other animals. Danger comes from caves, abandoned wells, old hollows in trees, and even air conditioners in cars or rooms.

Villagers, mine workers, archaeologists and cave explorers are often infected. The infection settles in the respiratory system when inhaling air contaminated with spores.

Pulmonary histoplasmosis is not transmitted from an infected person or animal to a healthy one, so you can safely come into contact with patients.

First of all, fungal spores settle on the respiratory organs (mucous membranes of the nose, larynx, bronchi, lungs), then descend into the gastrointestinal tract. After which they penetrate into phagocytes and are distributed throughout the body in the blood. There are frequent cases of infection through cuts or wounds on the skin.

Despite the fact that the signs of many diseases are similar, there are significant differences: routes of transmission, development and causative agents of the disease. Some of them are described in the table.

Pathology	The causative agent of the disease	Source of disease	Transmission path	Complications
Histoplasmosis	Histoplasma capsulatum	The soil	Airborne dust	Pulmonary fibrosis, heart failure, encephalopathy
Pneumonia	Pneumococcus, staphylococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, mycoplasma	Infected person	Airborne or transplacental	Pleural effusion, septic shock, acute respiratory failure, nephritis
Flu	Influenza virus	A sick man	Airborne	Pneumonia, otitis media, pericarditis, hemorrhagic syndrome, sinusitis

It was previously said that some US states are considered contaminated places on the planet. Most cases are observed near the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

This is explained by high humidity, soil characteristics, and a large number of bats, through whose excrement the infection spreads.

Sick tourists are returning after exploring caves in South or East Africa.

Signs of infection and stages of the disease

The duration of development of Darling disease depends on the type of disease and the person’s immunity. Doctors distinguish between acute and chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis. The incubation period lasts 1–2 weeks, sometimes it can increase to 25 days. Development occurs in the following order:

• incubation period – there are practically no signs of infection;
• prodromal period - the condition changes, it is easy to notice a loss of strength, headaches, malaise;
• the height of the pathology - signs of pulmonary histoplasmosis increase, they can persist from 14 days to 1 year;
• convalescence (remission) – the disease goes away, but the likelihood of infection remains for life.

More than 80% of people do not notice the symptoms of histoplasmosis; the disease is diagnosed only during examination or testing for another reason. So, the course of the disease is accompanied by the following symptoms:

1. Spicy. At first, the disease does not cause obvious changes; the person is only concerned about a temporary increase in body temperature (it lasts 2–4 days), weakness and fatigue. Then new signs appear: severe pain in the temples (or forehead) and chest, cough with purulent sputum, increased body temperature up to 40 degrees, profuse sweating, weakness, fever, stool disturbances and nausea. If the disease bothers you for a long time, the joints and bones are affected, which causes discomfort when walking. In addition, there is a deterioration in appetite and sudden weight loss.
2. Chronic. This form is characterized by a long course of infection without clear signs, and only periodically worsens. The first symptoms of cytoplasmosis are considered to be a slight increase in temperature, a slight cough with whitish sputum, weakness and fever. Then pustular rashes or red spots appear on the skin and mucous membranes, which can be seen in the photo. In advanced forms, internal changes occur: pulmonary fibrosis, development of tuberculosis and sarcoidosis.

Histoplasmosis can occur in different degrees of severity. With mild (first) the person remains able to work; he is bothered by a slight increase in temperature for several days. If you take an x-ray at this moment, changes will already be noticeable.

The average degree (second) is characterized by the persistence of unpleasant symptoms for two weeks, during which the condition changes dramatically. Moderate (third) is characterized by a sharp increase in temperature, the appearance of fever, heavy sweating, acute pain in the muscles and chest.

During the severe stage (fourth), a long course of the disease is observed, causing irreversible consequences in the lung tissues. They are also visible on x-rays and ultrasound examinations of internal organs.

Manifestation of the disease in children and people with poor immunity

People who have a weak protective function are much more likely to suffer from pulmonary histoplasmosis. This group of people easily includes children, the elderly, patients receiving therapy for cancer, and those infected with HIV. The following signs will tell you about infection:

• fever – the temperature reaches 39 degrees and is difficult to control with medications;
• pallor or yellowness of the dermis (if liver damage has occurred);
• foamy stools with a foul odor, and vomiting more than 3-4 times a day;
• enlargement of the abdomen due to swelling of the liver and spleen;
• symptoms of body intoxication;
• fever, bad mood, drowsiness;
• rashes on the skin.

Special attention is paid to the population with serious diseases (immunodeficiency virus, malignant tumors, diabetes mellitus and others that cause severe weakening of the immune system), since in them pulmonary histoplasmosis can be fatal.

Most often, disseminated or acute type of the disease is detected in these groups of people. With AIDS, the mortality rate is 100% and, unfortunately, there is no chance of survival.

Specialists are only able to temporarily reduce the manifestation of the disease, but relapses are repeated very often and cause pathological changes in the body.

Diagnostics

It is difficult to identify the pathology on your own in a timely manner, since its symptoms are similar to pneumonia or the flu. The region of residence of the sick person can also complicate the diagnosis, since this type of fungus is extremely rarely detected in Russia.

If you have recently traveled to countries with a high incidence rate, you should tell the specialist about this at your appointment. You can seek help from a therapist, but it is better to immediately visit an infectious disease specialist or pulmonologist. The doctor will order tests: sputum and scrapings from the oral cavity, blood, urine and feces, as well as fluoroscopy.

The latter diagnostic method is not always effective and is carried out very rarely. In people with immunodeficiency virus, the study may be complicated due to negative serological reactions and intradermal testing. For this reason, almost all patients are first prescribed a blood test for HIV infection.

Treatment of pathology

To get rid of pulmonary histoplasmosis, antimycotic drugs are used. It is not advisable to use them without medical supervision, as they are toxic and have side effects. Therapy depends on the severity and form of pulmonary histoplasmosis.

If there is an asymptomatic or initial stage of the pathology, antifungal agents are not prescribed; they are limited to medications to relieve discomfort and vitamin complexes. Proper nutrition with a sufficient amount of useful microelements and bed rest will have a positive effect on the patient’s condition.

The condition is alleviated by painkillers and antipyretics, which are recommended for use when feeling unwell.

Severe or advanced form of Darling's disease requires the use of drugs against the fungus: Intraconazole, Ketoconazole, Meglumine sodium succinate and others. The drugs are prescribed in different forms of release, for example, in the form of tablets or intravenous drip injections.

The treatment regimen and dosage are adjusted to suit the patient, so they cannot be used without a doctor’s recommendation.

If side effects develop (nausea, vomiting, convulsions, anemia, mental disorders), you should immediately stop therapy and consult a specialist to change the medication.

As a rule, hospitalization is necessary in rare cases when a person’s life is in danger. At home, inhalations with medicinal solutions are allowed. Severe pulmonary histoplasmosis is treated in a hospital setting, as surgical treatment may be necessary. For example, if complications develop, pericardial puncture, pulmonary resection, and removal of lymph nodes for an abscess are performed.

Forecast and preventive measures

Timely detection of the disease and timely therapy can cure the disease completely. People with good immunity should not experience any complications with effective treatment.

Complications occur if the patient sought medical help too late, has certain diseases, has a weakened protective function of the body, and did not follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Pulmonary histoplasmosis has long been successfully treated with modern drugs that quickly eliminate the symptoms of the disease and destroy the causative agent of the fungal infection. The body does not develop immunity to this disease, so it can occur again during life.

For such purposes, it is recommended to choose closed clothing (after all, the fungus can penetrate through wounds on the skin), and use a mask or respirator to protect the respiratory tract. It is also impossible to completely protect yourself while traveling, but it would not be superfluous to take blood tests when returning from vacation.

Early detection of the disease guarantees a speedy cure and no consequences.

Disease in pets

You cannot become infected simply from contact with a sick animal, but its feces pose a threat. They contain a large number of fungi that become airborne. When inhaled, they settle in the human respiratory system and cause pathology. It is important to know how histoplasmosis manifests itself in pets in order to help it in time and protect yourself.

Often the disease in animals is detected in an advanced form. His condition can tell you that a cat or dog is infected. The pet becomes lethargic, refuses to eat and loses weight. One cannot help but notice diarrhea, vomiting, fever and chills.

Against the background of all this, veterinarians often diagnose a number of diseases that require further therapy. It is quite difficult to detect enlarged lymph nodes or liver, pale mucous membranes and dermis in a cat, but similar symptoms also occur.

In addition, there is difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing and discharge of mucus from the mouth.

Animals suffer from damage to the lungs, eyes, skin and internal organs. They, just like people, need the help of a specialist. Veterinarians prescribe furry patients a course of Ketoconazole or Intraconazole. Sometimes other medications may be needed, depending on the complications.

For pets whose disease was identified at an early stage and treated with certain medications, the prognosis is favorable. However, in the later stages of histoplasmosis, irreversible consequences occur in the circulatory system, brain, and gastrointestinal tract.

In the future, this becomes the cause of the rapid death of the pet.

Pulmonary histoplasmosis is considered a dangerous disease that affects the lower respiratory tract and causes severe consequences. You can get rid of it by completing the full course of treatment prescribed by the doctor.

At the first signs, you should immediately contact a therapist or infectious disease specialist to undergo an examination and receive qualified assistance.

Source: https://NaTele.net/gistoplazmoz/

Histoplasmosis: symptoms and treatment methods

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by fungi of the Histoplasma genus . This disease can affect any organ in the human body, but pulmonary histoplasmosis is most commonly diagnosed.

Causes

The main cause of histoplasmosis is the growth and development of the Histoplasma fungus in the human body. This parasite exists in two different types.

Types of mushroom:

1. tissue - if a person’s body temperature is 37 degrees, then it looks like individual round cells, they are small in size, about two to four micrometers. This type of fungus affects the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes that make up the blood. Mostly they are located in the cells themselves, but there are cases that they are released without touching the cells;
2. mycelium - this type of fungus is located in the external environment at low temperatures and has the appearance of numerous branching threads.

These parasites die when:

1. very high temperatures (60 degrees and above);
2. under the influence of disinfectant solutions.

Histoplasma multiplies quite quickly in the soil when it rains. Fungi create colonies and in one such colony, the diameter of which will be 3 cm, a couple of million spores arise. After the rain stops, they spray into the air and infect their new victim, who happens to be nearby at that moment.

Habitats of the fungus Histoplasma:

• soil rich in organic matter;
• places where many birds live;
• bird droppings;
• wells and other ancient buildings;
• caves;
• old trees.

Spores of the histoplasma fungus first fall on the nasal mucosa, then move further into the respiratory and digestive organs. Then they make their way into phagocytes, where they begin to multiply and then spread throughout the body through the blood and infect various organs.

Infection sometimes occurs through injuries to the skin, then spores and dust enter the wounds and through them the process of penetration into other organs occurs.

Symptoms

Types of histoplasmosis:

1. pulmonary histoplasmosis;
2. disseminated histoplasmosis;
3. skin histoplasmosis.

Pulmonary histoplasmosis

The incubation period for this form of the disease ranges from several days to a month.

• Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in some cases develops asymptomatically, that is, no symptoms of the disease will appear, and it is possible to determine that a person has histoplasmosis using laboratory diagnostic methods.
• Also, this type of disease can occur in mild, moderate and severe forms, then obvious signs are already visible.
• Chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis occurs with the appearance of symptoms, but they are not very visible and forms cavities in the lung tissues.

Most patients with histoplasmosis are asymptomatic and, as mentioned above, the presence of the disease in the body is determined only after a diagnostic examination.

 Symptoms of mild histoplasmosis in the lungs are similar to those of a respiratory infection.

Basically, the patient feels as usual a week after falling ill, treatment lasts for 2 - 4 weeks.

Mild symptoms:

• feverish condition;
• cough;
• dyspnea;
• state of weakness.

Signs of severe form:

• sudden onset of illness;
• temperature rises to 41 degrees;
• high fever;
• body temperature changes throughout the day;
• chills;
• increased sweating;
• pain in muscles and bones;
• pain in the chest and abdomen;
• nausea with vomiting.

In a complex form, the febrile state can last from two to six weeks.

Interesting fact!!! After a person has recovered, his body temperature may periodically rise over the next year.

The chronic form of histoplasmosis in the lungs is characterized by a wave-like course, that is, after the patient feels better, then a new exacerbation of symptoms begins. During an exacerbation, cough and fever appear.

Disseminated histoplasmosis

This type of disease occurs mainly in those people who suffer from weakened immunity.

With this type of disease, granulomas form in all organs, due to which the person slowly dies.

Cutaneous histoplasmosis

With this form of histoplasmosis, the fungus infects the body through the skin.

Signs of cutaneous histoplasmosis:

• the appearance of granulomas;
• growths appear on the skin that look like warts;
• many small hemorrhages.

The most common places of localization are: tongue, nasal and pharyngeal mucosa, oral cavity and skin around the mouth.

Histoplasmosis in children

Manifested by the following symptoms:

• pale skin;
• feverish condition;
• body temperature rises to 39 degrees;
• the spleen and liver increase in size;
• liquid feces;
• the lungs are affected.

Diagnostics

• The doctor makes a diagnosis only after laboratory testing.
• Differential diagnosis is carried out with the following diseases: tuberculosis, fungal infections of the lungs, pneumonia, sepsis, mycoplasmol.
• Laboratory actions for suspected histoplasmosis:

1. microscopy - material is taken from the patient from the affected area and examined under a microscope, a parasitic fungus is found there;

2. jpg" alt="methods for studying histoplasmosis" width="300″ srcset="http://alergiya-promed.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mikoz-legkogo-300×200.jpg 300w, http: //alergiya-promed.ru/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mikoz-legkogo.jpg 548w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"> study of fungal colonies - previously taken material from a patient in a special liquid is grown and then studied;

3. serodiagnosis - during the period of this study, the patient’s serum reacts with fungal antigens, if this happens, then it is clear that the disease appeared due to this parasite;
4. X-ray examination - X-rays are taken in frontal and lateral projections;
5. general blood test - the analysis shows that red and white blood cells have decreased and the hemoglobin level becomes lower.

Treatment

If a person is affected by an asymptomatic, mild or moderate form of histoplasmosis, then antifungal drugs will not be prescribed, but drugs will be used that will eliminate the symptoms of the disease that has arisen and the diet will be edited. But for all other forms of histoplasmosis, antifungal drugs are prescribed.

The most effective antimycotics:

1. amphoterecin B - can suppress or destroy parasitic fungi, this depends on the prescribed dosage, intended to cure the acute form of pulmonary histoplasmosis with a severe course of development and in a chronic form;
2. amphoglucamine – exists in the form of tablets;
3. itraconazole – has the ability to destroy many types of fungi;
4. ketoconazole – acts against fungi that cause superficial and deep fungal diseases;
5. fluconazole is effective against candidiasis and some other diseases of fungal origin.

Forecast

• Patients with chronic pulmonary histoplasmol die in 60% of cases.
• People with AIDS and at the same time with disseminated histoplasmosis all die.
• In the asymptomatic and acute form, the prognosis is favorable in all cases.

Video: Histoplasmosis - all about this disease

Source: http://alergiya-promed.ru/gribkovye-zabolevaniya/gistoplazmoz.php